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HomeSportWeek 3 NFL Overreactions: The Commanders Rise and Vikings Eye the Super...

Week 3 NFL Overreactions: The Commanders Rise and Vikings Eye the Super Bowl

 

NFL Week 3 overreactions: Commanders are back, Vikings Super Bowl bound


Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have shown remarkable dominance this season. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning champions, keep securing narrow wins. The Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Pittsburgh Steelers have also kicked off their 2024 campaign with impressive 3-0 records.

 

Notable victories came from the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams, while the Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Indianapolis Colts celebrated their first wins in Week 3.

In contrast, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers are under pressure after disappointing 1-2 starts. The Las Vegas Raiders are in a similar situation, facing scrutiny after their loss to the Panthers, prompting coach Antonio Pierce to criticize his players’ commitment post-game.

However, it could be worse: the Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans sit at the bottom with 0-3 records.

 

Here’s a closer look at the biggest overreactions from Week 3:

 

Aaron Rodgers is back!

Aaron Rodgers delivered a stellar performance on Thursday Night Football, reminiscent of his prime. With pinpoint accuracy, he consistently connected with his receivers, proving that his skills remain intact after his Achilles injury.

While skeptics may downplay his near 300-yard game against the Patriots on a short notice, it’s important to consider that he still has the potential to achieve MVP-level play.

 

Rodgers and the Jets boast a formidable lineup, featuring a robust defense led by coach Robert Saleh and a fortified offensive unit. Key players include star running back Breece Hall, top wide receiver Garrett Wilson, veteran Allen Lazard, rookie Braelon Allen, and tight end Tyler Conklin, providing ample support for Rodgers as they chase playoff berth.

Just one request: Saleh might want to tone down those awkward sideline hugs after scoring drives.

The Washington Commanders are also back!

The Washington franchise seems to have turned a corner after escaping the shadow of former owner Dan Snyder. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels shone brightly in his prime time debut on Monday Night Football.

New owner Josh Harris has made strategic decisions, including hiring veteran coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who wisely adopted a college-style run-pass-option scheme to leverage Daniels’ dual-threat capabilities.

Remarkably, the Commanders are the first team in Super Bowl history to avoid turnovers and punts for two consecutive weeks, hinting at their potential rivalry with the Eagles in the NFC East. After their decisive Week 3 victory against the Bengals, fans have plenty to cheer about.

This is a time for Commanders fans to celebrate — it’s been a long-awaited turnaround.

 

The Minnesota Vikings are Super Bowl contenders

This season appears to be a perfect fit for quarterback Sam Darnold, coach Kevin O’Connell, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The trio is seamlessly syncing as the Vikings enjoy their 3-0 start, with Darnold displaying a career resurgence under O’Connell and Flores’ combined coaching efforts.

 

Darnold, selected third overall in the 2018 NFL draft, is leading the league with eight touchdown passes and ranking in the top 5 for QBR, passer rating, and yards per attempt, sitting just outside the top 10 in passing yards. Finally, he’s thriving with O’Connell’s support and the presence of superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson on the roster.

Flores’ defensive scheme is arguably the best in the NFL, potentially outshining Steve Spagnuolo’s Chiefs defense. Its chaotic structure, with rushers at the line for possible blitzes or coverage drops, presents a major challenge for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators.

If the Vikings maintain this form, they could be poised for a significant playoff journey.

Mike McCarthy’s hot seat is only getting hotter

How many crucial games will the Cowboys lose at home? Their playoff defeat to the Packers last year was a shocking blow, followed by an equally embarrassing defeat against the Saints in Week 2. The recent 28-25 loss to the Ravens further intensifies the scrutiny on McCarthy’s leadership.

Let’s be honest, it doesn’t seem likely that Jerry Jones will fire himself.

Adding to the Cowboys’ woes, Jones reluctantly stated, “We couldn’t afford Derrick Henry,” after the running back amassed 151 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s game.

 

A quick turnaround may benefit Dallas, but even the Giants are showing improvement, with rookie receiver Malik Nabers providing hope for Daniel Jones.

As for the Cowboys, McCarthy needs to quickly put things in order — falling short against the Giants, Steelers, or Lions in the next few games may lead to serious consequences.

 

This refers to the dismissal prior to the Week 7 bye.